How Activists Can Effectively Work with Information Requests and Act in Case of Digital Security Interference: Key Tips from Training in Chernihiv

A workshop “How Activists Can Protect Their Information Rights and Ensure Digital Security: Practice and Action Algorithms” was held in Chernihiv, organized by the NGO “Chernihiv Public Committee for Human Rights Protection” in cooperation with “Mediabaza Chernihiv.”

During wartime, information is also a weapon. We work daily with public messages, social networks, and sensitive data, so the ability to:
— distinguish fakes and manipulations
— protect yourself and the team in the digital space
— responsibly distribute information
— understand risks and information attacks is not just useful, but critically necessary.

That is why training was organized in Chernihiv for representatives of the NGO “Chernihiv Public Committee for Human Rights Protection” and partner local media to discuss current information and security challenges in the work of human rights defenders, volunteers, and media workers during the war and strengthen their practical legal capacity.

The training expert was an experienced media lawyer, a member of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, Oleksandr Burmahin.

In the first part of the training, Oleksandr Burmahin detailed how to properly form information requests under martial law. He emphasized that cliché short appeals often do not yield results, while extended, legally justified requests significantly increase the chances of getting a proper response.

The expert advised not to limit oneself to formal references to the law but to explain the social importance of information and clearly formulate the content of the request. It is optimal to ask up to three specific questions or request a separate document. Burmahin also reminded about the “three-part test,” which the government body is obliged to apply before refusing to provide information: prove that the data is limited, its disclosure could cause harm, and that this harm outweighs the public interest. In the absence of even one element, the refusal is illegal.

It is equally important to address requests specifically to the legal entity, rather than a specific official — this minimizes the risks of the appeal getting “lost” or remaining without reaction. In cases of unjustified refusals, participants were recommended to file complaints and go to court, as creating successful precedents helps the entire human rights community.

The second block was dedicated to the algorithm of actions in situations where human rights defenders are prevented from performing their professional duties. The speaker emphasized that even during martial law, civil activists retain their information and digital rights, and every case of unlawful restrictions falls under legislative protection.

Participants were presented with a clear sequence of steps: fixing the incident (photo, video, audio), reporting their status, and demanding an explanation of the grounds for restrictions. In case of illegal actions — mandatory appeal to the police and fixing the fact of interference with professional activity. It is also important to promptly inform the editorial office and specialized organizations providing legal aid to activists, volunteers, and journalists.

The practical part included an analysis of real cases. Participants analyzed typical situations with access blocking, pressure, or unfounded demands to stop filming, discussed effective response tools, and features of communication with law enforcement and officials. Particular emphasis was placed on the correct documentation of incidents, which is of key importance when filing complaints or statements to the police.

The training gave activists, media workers, and volunteers the opportunity not only to update their knowledge regarding access to information but also to receive practical advice on protecting digital rights in difficult situations. The combination of the theoretical part and the analysis of real cases allowed participants to form clear action algorithms that will help work safer, more confidently, and more effectively.

The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the Transatlantic Foundation/Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation.